Masks We Don’t Mind Wearing

Apr 7

(Because they sparkle!)

It’s been over a year since the pandemic began, and face masks are still the #1 accessory. The fashion world was one of the first industries to allocate resources and start making them for the masses. Then, mask chains popped up. With vaccinations underway, we’ve upgraded to bejeweled numbers inspired by Billie Eilish, the early adopter who’s pushed the face-covering envelope. Beads and pearls, chains with talismans, it’s all so functional and fun. Spirits are lifting, but since it’s not time to lift our masks yet, here are plenty of fabulous options to help protect you and others.

**Cadillac Bird**

Epona Valley founder Rachel Celia Gittler launched her company after creating bird headpieces that caught both late photographer Bill Cunningham and Bergdorf Goodman's attention. This bird chain is an example of the brand’s love of nature mixed with pristine craftsmanship.
14k gold plated “Cadillac Bird” chain, $148 at Epona Valley

**Evil Eye**

Contemporary jewelry brand Sequin collaborated with Lara Eurdolian of Pretty Connected to create talisman adorned mask chains. Elephants, evil eyes, the moon, and the night sky serve as pendants on chains that look like necklaces and hold masks.
Sequin x Pretty Connected 22k gold dipped and crystals “Evil Eye” charm and mask chain set, $78 at Sequin NYC
*This item is sold out.

**Classic Pearl**

Many know Lele Sadoughi for her design collaborations with J. Crew to Tory Burch, but it’s her signature headbands that garner a cult following. Lele was one of the first to make stylish masks that match her headbands during the early months of the pandemic—a matchy-matchy look people are more than okay with.
Set of 3 “Classic Pearl” masks*, $49 at Lele Sadoughi
*This item is sold out.

**Charleston Rice Beads**

Candy Shop Vintage’s designer Deirdre Zahl is all about vintage, color, and fun inspired by southern charm. She’s taken a local treasure—vintage Charleston rice beads—and reworked them into necklaces in a rainbow of colors. It was only natural she reimagined them into a mask chain with a hint of fabulous.
Brass with 14k gold electroplated finish “Charleston Rice Bead” mask chain, $48 at Candy Shop Vintage

**Lite & Brite**

New York-based designer Roxanne Assoulin has a thing for bright, colorful jewels. Her enamel stretch bracelets scream summer, as does this dual-purpose mask and eyeglass chain bright enough to lift your mood and light enough for all-day wear without feeling weighed down.
Lite and Brite mask and eyeglass chain, $75 at Roxanne Assoulin*
*This item is sold out

**Curb Chain**

Jill Martinelli and Sabine Le Guyader are the New York-based designers behind the socially active jewelry brand Lady Grey. Their small-scale production pays off in their distinctly progressive designs, including this sleek and handy mask chain that doubles as a necklace.
Sterling silver plated brass “Curb Chain,” $108 at Lady Grey

Mask - square.png — **Faded Blue**

Dannijo consists of sister act Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder-Morel, whose trendy jewels have graced numerous magazine pages and celebrities from Rihanna to Kim Kardashian. This beaded number is bound to be found on another famous name matched with their kiddo since one size fits most.
Beaded faded blue face mask, $20 at Dannijo

**Crystal**

Judith Leiber is the queen of sparkle. Her crystal novelty bags know no kitsch limits, from a purple football to a tutti frutti ice cream cone. Enter the sparkliest face-covering of all: a crystal-encrusted mask in flamingo pink.
Crystal face mask, $75 at Judith Leiber
*This item is sold out.

Editor: Samantha Durbin

Market Editor: Johannah Masters

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).